Colossalbet Blog

Category: Thoroughbreds

  • Hong Kong star claims Cox Plate

    Hong Kong’s Romantic Warrior has scored a last stride thrilling win in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.

    Champion James McDonald’s faith in Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior has been vindicated with the jockey landing a second Cox Plate victory. 

    After guiding Anamoe to success in last year’s Group 1 weight-for-age championship, McDonald had to call on all his strength to get Romantic Warrior home in the 2040m contest at Moonee Valley on Saturday. 

    McDonald never lost faith in Romantic Warrior despite the Danny Shum-trained gelding being beaten at his Australian debut in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 7. 

    Starting the $3.60 favourite, Romantic Warrior scored by a nose from Mr Brightside ($9) with Alligator Blood ($6) a short-neck away third. 

    Romantic Warrior returned a win dividend of $2.80 on the World Pool. 

    McDonald made trips to Hong Kong to partner Romantic Warrior to win the lead up to the Hong Kong Cup as well as the Hong Kong Cup at the international meeting last year and was also aboard gelding to win the Queen Elizabeth II Cup in April. 

    “This horse is pretty special to me,” McDonald said. 

    “I mentioned if he came to a Cox Plate, he’d be a suitable horse. I meant what I said and credit to (owner) Peter (Lau Pak Fai) and Danny. 

    “It takes a hell of a lot of balls to come out of Hong Kong with all the prizemoney there. It is one of the best racing jurisdictions in the world and they come here and showcase their boy. 

    “I reckon he’s got more to come, too. 

    “He’s been bubbling. He showed a significant amount of improvement like I thought he would, and he loves the bloody Valley!” 

    The first three horses across the line were positioned third, fourth and fifth in the running line behind King Colorado and Zaaki. 

    McDonald elected to ease three wide racing to the 600m mark with Alligator Blood taking up his spot. 

    Romantic Warrior wobbled slightly around the turn, as did Zaaki which allowed Mr Brightside to get up on the fence to hit the front 50m out, only to be grabbed on the line. 

    McDonald said he was comfortable where Romantic Warrior was positioned in the race. 

    “I knew I was on the right horse, and I kept going, ‘he’s the best horse, he’s the best horse’ so I’d ride him like it,” McDonald said. 

    “I took a gamble about the 1000 (metres) or 1200. We elected to come back a spot and to the minute right now I believe that was the winning move.” 

    Shum said it had been a gamble to send Romantic Warrior from Hong Kong to contest Saturday’s race. 

    Romantic Warrior had to adapt to different training conditions in quarantine at Werribee having not raced since late in May in Hong Kong. 

    The gelding had an interrupted preparation before arrival in Australia missing an important trial and initially not taking to a change in feed. 

    But Romantic Warrior was able to overcome that adversity to claim Australia’s best race. 

    “I don’t know how to tell you how happy I am. I am really happy,” Shum said. 

    “I want to thank Peter the owner for giving permission to come here. James Mcdonald, all the team, all the Hong Kong fans, my wife Christine, my son Aaron. 

    “I love you! I love you!” 

    After Romantic Warrior’s first-up Australian defeat, Shum said he was a little deflated, but knew the gelding would improve with the outing. 

    “He was not really ready, but he got better day-by-day,” Shum said. 

    “I was confident he would run a good race, but it is a strong race. 

    “He overcame all of the challenges and the difficulties. James McDonald gave me a very good report.” 

    Shum said Romantic Warrior would return to Hong Kong as early as possible to prepare for the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on December 10.

  • 32 left in Cup, penalty for Cleveland

    Monee Valley Cup winner jumps to 14th in order of entry.

    A penalty for his Moonee Valley Cup win, combined with natural attrition, has Cleveland safely in the field for next week’s $8.4 million Group 1 Melbourne Cup.

    Racing Victoria’s head of handicapping David Hegan issued the Kris Lees-trained entire a 0.5kg penalty for Friday night’s win under 55.5kg, taking his Melbourne Cup weight to 52kg.

    Placed 24th in the order of entry prior to the win, Cleveland elevated a few spots owing to several higher-weighted runners not being paid-up as third-round acceptors and now sits in 14th position after the penalty.

    “Under the set weights and penalty conditions of the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, Cleveland was allocated the base weight on Friday night,” Hegan said.

    “Thus, he came in well at the weights against some of his opposition on the night and compared to where they are in the Melbourne Cup weights.

    “Vow and Declare and Future History will now meet Cleveland 0.5kg and 3kg better respectively in the Melbourne Cup after the penalty. If the luckless Athabascan makes the field it would be a 3.5kg turnaround in his favour against Cleveland too.”

    Cleveland becomes the first Moonee Valley Gold Cup winner to receive a Melbourne Cup penalty since 2015 when The United States moved to 52.5kg with a 2.5kg penalty.

    Cleveland will be one of two Melbourne Cup runners for six-time winner Lloyd Williams and his partners after Epsom Derby winner Serpentine jumped to 22nd in the order of entry.

    In 23rd position is More Felons with True Marvel 24th but those two are not yet guaranteed a run with a ballot exemption on offer to the winner of Saturday’s The Archer at Flemington, while Wednesday’s Bendigo Cup contains two runners – Hasta La War (29th) and Interpretation (31st) – who can elevate their position in the order of entry if they win and receive a penalty.

  • Morphettville Parks Races Review on 28th October 2023

    The three-year-old gelding Give Some Lip raced away to bring up his first win at his fourth start in the 1250 metre opening event on the Parks track at Morphettville on Saturday.

    Prepared by Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea and guided to victory by apprentice Ben Price Give Some Lip  came from a worse than midfield position with a late run to take the event.

    Jason Holder continued his purple patch of form when he rode Free Vino  to a win in the 1400 metre second race.

    Coming out of the Gordon Richards and Damien Moyle stable Free Vino raced in the rear of the field before flying home to win.

    Moving his operation from Morphettville to Murray Bridge trainer Travis Doudle was well pleased with the win of Prince Jofra in the 1550 metre third race.

    Having the services of apprentice Alana Livesey Prince Jofra raced in a forward position all the way.

    Apprentice Ben Price landed his second winner for the afternoon when Manzala won his first race in 1190 days in the 1950 metre fourth race.

    Trained by Ashton Downing Manzala settled in a midfield position before ging in to win.

    Anjopin landed his second win in seven days when he took out the 1250 metre fifth race.

    Prepared by Sue and Jason Jaensch the well placed Anjopin gave apprentice Maggie Collett her first win since being injured at Ceduna last December.

    Coming off a last start second Miss Kermie went one better when she took out the 1400 meter sixth race.

    Having the services of Emily Finnegan the Phillip Stokes prepared Miss Kermie raced one off the pace in winning her fourth race from fourteen starts.

    Apprentice Sheriden Clarke was all smiles after her win on Trumpsta in the 1950 metre seventh race.

    Being under the care of Ron Stokes Trumpsta was another runner to be well placed.

    Establishing his base at Gawler in recent times trainer George Dimitropoulos was all smiles with the win of his charge Mouse Almighty in the 1000 metre eighth race.

    Having the services of Stacey Metcalf Mouse Almighty came from a midfield position with a strong run over the concluding stages.

    Foster Street was one of the few winners to come from well back when he won the 1000 metre final event.

    Being under the care of Byron Cozamanis senior and having the services of Ryan Hurdle Foster Street brought up his third win in fourteen starts.

  • Amelia’s Jewel to race in Golden Eagle

    Glamour mare Amelia’s Jewel is back on track after a shock defeat and will now progress to the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill on November 4.

    Amelia’s Jewel ran well below her best in the G1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield when ninth to Attrition, but a vet test cleared her of injury.

    Her worst performance in an outstanding career followed wins in the Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) at Flemington and the Stocks Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley in track record time.

    Amelia’s Jewel had a few easy days recovering after the Toorak failure, but there were encouraging signs last week when back on her feed that she’d turned the corner.

    A strong reverse gallop at Flemington this morning (Tuesday) with jockey Damian Lane aboard was the clincher for Simon Miller, who said he’s tackling the Golden Eagle with renewed confidence.

    “She went super, worked unreal and looks great, looks amazing,” Miller told The Races WA.

    “She worked a thousand evens and home 400 and handled the Sydney way of going like a professional.

    “I knew last Thursday she’d turned the corner the way she was completely knocking her night and morning feed.

    “She’ll have another gallop next Tuesday going the Sydney way and Thursday week will get on a truck to Sydney.

    “She’s totally back on board.”

    TABtouch has Amelia’s Jewel the $4.40 favourite for the Golden Eagle. Kovalica is next at $4.80, Legarto $6, Hawaii Five Oh $6 and Obamburumai $8.

    Miller says he still has an ace up his sleeve for Amelia’s Jewel in the Golden Eagle.

    “I’m thinking of a gear change and blinkers,” Miller said.

    “I’m leaning to them as she is superior with them on.”

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  • Weekend wrap: Hot start for Toeroek continues, Jolly treble, Crowther double

    Leading jockey Jake Toeroek continued his sizzling start to the 2022-23 racing season with a riding treble at Morphettville on Saturday.

    Jake Toeroek and the Richard and Chantelle Jolly stable claimed an early race to race double with Deepfloat Diva and Pudding before the lethal combination added a third victory to another big day at the office when Aviatress proved superior later in the day.

    Toeroek is currently enjoying his most successful calendar year of riding, Saturday successes taking his record to 68 winners for 2023.

    The Price Bloodstock pair of Deepfloat Diva, who would have been Hong Kong bound if he didn’t fail a vet test, and Aviatress maintaining their unbeaten records, Toeroek confident both horses will find their way into better races.

    “He’s a very smart horse,” Toeroek said of Deepfloat Diva.

    “I’d say he’ll probably go for a break now but when he comes back in, we’re looking at a pretty nice one,” he said.

    Likewise, the leading jockey said there is also plenty of upside with Aviatress who had no problems jumping from a midweek maiden to city success.

    “She’s a smart horse, I think she’s black type,” Toeroek added.

    “I’m just glad we get to keep these ones,” he said of the pair.

    Kayla Crowther had a riding double winning with Sir Kingsford before the talented Sghirippa scored an impressive win in the final race of the big 10-race card.

    “He switched off really well and when I popped him out, he had a really good turn of foot,” Crowther said.

    “I reckon he had so much more up his sleeve,” she said.

    Jason Holder also had a riding double with Lights Of Broadway and Victorian Anilla, while the Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea stable had a training double with Silent Surrente regaining winning form before Superior Sam scored impressively.

    DOM Tourneur and Justin Potter shared riding honours at Naracoorte on Sunday.

    Tourneur combined for a double with the Aaron Bain and Ned Taylor pair of Navy Gold and Midnight Mass while Potter claimed the bookends winning the opening race with Namadji and the last with Archway To Heaven for Scott Whittle.

  • Quality entries for The Pinnacles

    Star mare local mare Amelia’s Jewel headlines a quality list of nominations from around Australia for the upcoming Carnival in Western Australia – The Pinnacles.

    The leading stables on the eastern seaboard of Australia have all nominated horses for the rich five-meeting carnival in Western Australia. 

    The Pinnacles kicks off on November 18 with Champion Fillies Day and culminates on December 16 with Damien Oliver Gold Rush Day. 

    Western Australia’s three Group 1 races – the Railway Stakes (1600m), the Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) and the Northerly Stakes (1800m) will be held on three consecutive Saturday – November 25 through to December 9. 

    Connections of horses entered in The Pinnacles will chase $10.5 million in prizemoney. 

    Chris Waller has 26 horses entered across the feature races while other eastern seaboard stables with nominations include Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Annabel Neasham,Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman , Anthony and Sam Freedman and Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr. 

    Inaugural Quokka winning trainer Bjorn Baker, has entered his Quokka victor Overpass in the Winterbottom Stakes while runner-up, Amelia’s Jewel heads the local entry for that race along with the Damien Oliver Gold Rush. 

    A total of 94 horses have been entered for the Railway Stakes, headlined by multiple Group 1 winner Zaaki, prepared by Neasham who has also entered My Oberon. 

    Chris Waller has entered 13 horses for the race, headed by Atishu, Osipenko and Kovalica while Australian Cup winner Cascadian, a previous Perth visitor for Godolphin, is among entries. 

    Former WA-based trainer Lindsey Smith has entered Tuvalu for a return to his previous hometown. 

    Among the 68 nominations for the Winterbottom Stakes includes Asfoora, last week’s Schillaci Stakes winner at Caulfield, Espiona for the Waller stable and I Am Me, a winner of six of her last eight starts for Maher and Eustace. 

    There are 106 nominations for the Northerly Stakes including last year’s Railway Stakes winner Trix Of The Trade for local trainer Colin Webster while Waller has entered Rediener and Moody and Coleman have three entries, including Stakes winner Pounding. 

    Local gallopers Red Can Man, Resortman, Startrade, Snowdome and My Bella Mae join Amelia’s Jewel among the 104 nominations for the Damien Oliver Gold Rush that also sees Nugget, a Cox Plate entrant for Maher and Eustace among nominations. 

    Perth Racing chief executive James Oldring is delighted with the quality of nominations for The Pinnacles. 

    “We have worked extremely hard to present The Pinnacles as an Australian racing carnival, not just a West Australian feature and the calibre of horses and trainers that have nominated for our carnival highlights are a testament to our progress in that regard,” Oldring said. 

    “It’s so important for the standing of our carnival, particularly our Group 1 events, to attract the best horses, trainers and jockeys in Australia. 

    “We look forward to extending a very warm welcome to everyone that travels from the east coast to take on the best of our home team, who will no doubt be all out to ensure that the bulk of the prize money, and the bragging rights, stay right here in Perth.” 

  • First of the Spring Cups will be a big Caulfield Cup Day

    Always a great race for every Spring is the Caulfield Cup and 2023 looks no different.

    Will the G1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) go to the locals with the likes of Soulcombe ($5), Gold Trip ($6) and Montefilia ($13) big hopes or will it be those coming from overseas?

    West Wind Blows ($6), Breakup ($9) and Okita Soushi ($21) could be massive hopes with their international connections.

    Nominations were extended for the G3 Caulfield Classic (2000m) as Derby credentials are on the line. Riff Rocket ($1.70) will naturally be heavily featured but strong stables also run with Gold Bullion ($6) and To Be Frank ($15).

    It’s the same situation for the fillies in the G3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m). Tropical Squall ($2.10) brings in G1 form but Autumn Angel ($4.20) now comes out of a strong form race.

    Another race where more entries are a chance is in the G2 Caulfield Sprint (1000m). Lofty Strike ($3.50) is the best horse in it as he resumes from a spell.

    The G2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m) is generally a great pointer to the Empire Rose and good mares are entered like Madame Pommery, Nunthorpe and Skew Wiff.

    With the change in the programming, the G2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) is now on Cup day and we see new blood here like Coeur Volante and Zourion coming from the Moonee Valley race.

    Other features on the day include the Listed Gothic Stakes (1200m) for the 3yos and the G3 Moonga Stakes (1400m) for the older sprinters.

  • World Pool will be in operation for the first time on The Everest Day (Randwick, Australia) this Saturday.

    The HKJC will host 9 out of 10 races from the card.

    The World Pool bet-types offered are Win, Place, Quinella, Quinella Place (Swinger), Tierce (Trifecta).

    Note that not every partner is taking all these bet-types as you can see on the World Pool micro-site – worldpool.hkjc.com.

    You may also find the below race details there, as well as latest news and some other educational contents like World Pool background, history and other turnover numbers.

    Australian Spring Carnival mini site has been launched as well, with introduction and feature articles on all the simulcast meetings in Australia from October to November – English version 英文版 / Chinese version 中文版

    Besides, as one of the official betting partners, we have the naming rights for one race – please refer the one highlighted in orange in below table:

    The Everest Day (珠穆朗瑪峰錦標賽馬日) 
    Sat 14th October 2023 
    Randwick (蘭域)
    Local TimeHK TimeIntervalRace NameDistanceStatusSurface
    13:0510:05–World Pool Handicap (全球匯合彩池讓賽)1400–Turf (草地)
    13:4010:4035mReginald Allen Quality (雷根雅倫讓賽)1400LTurf (草地)
    14:1511:1535mGloaming Stakes (高明錦標)1800G3Turf (草地)
    14:5011:5035mThe Kosciuszko (科斯高山錦標)1200–Turf (草地)
    15:2512:2535mSydney Stakes (悉尼錦標)1200G3Turf (草地)
    16:1513:1550mThe Everest (珠穆朗瑪峰錦標)1200–Turf (草地)
    16:5013:5035mSilver Eagle (銀鷹錦標)1300–Turf (草地)
    17:3514:3545mKing Charles III Stakes (英皇查理斯三世錦標)1600G1Turf (草地)
    18:1015:1035mAngst Stakes (熱望錦標)1600G3Turf (草地)

    Other useful sites and information:

    World Pool mini site – English version 英文版 / Chinese version 中文版

    Moment of the Day/Year 2023 – Link

    For more latest news as well as live information, please visit our official World Pool twitter handle.

    Please feel free to promote on your platforms!

    Next World Pool day after the Everest will be on 21 Oct, which consists of races in both Australia (Caulfield Cup Day) and UK (British Champions Day).

  • TAB Everest rises to new heights at Royal Randwick

    Sydney’s world-famous Royal Randwick hosts the seventh running of the $20 million TAB Everest and a celebration of a thoroughbred racing and entertainment phenomenon this Saturday.

    General Admission tickets at just $40 via theraces.com.au provides entry to Royal Randwick for a ten-race card, a post-racing concert from Australian act Empire Of The Sun in the spectacular Theatre Of The Horse and access to the new $46 million WINX Stand.

    General Admission ticket holders and Australian Turf Club Members also have all public transport services – including light rail services directly to Royal Randwick – included.

    Along with the $20 million TAB Everest, the richest race on turf in the world, Saturday also sees the inaugural $5 million King Charles III Stakes and the $2 million The Kosciuszko, all part of Australia’s richest day of racing.

    Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Matt Galanos said TAB Everest Day has become an iconic event on the Sydney Spring sporting and entertainment calendar.

    “The world’s richest race on turf at Royal Randwick brings a live racing experience unmatched in Australian racing,’’ Mr Galanos said.

    “The electric atmosphere throughout the day peaks with the running of the TAB Everest as the crowd joins as one to roar the annual rendition of Sweet Caroline as the horses get to the gates.

    “With public transport and a live concert after the races from Empire Of The Sun all included in a $40 ticket, TAB Everest Day is the year’s best value of any major event in Sydney.

    “Royal Randwick is ready to host the world’s fastest horses and Sydney’s most exciting event in Spring.’’

    Full fields for Saturday’s massive card offering a total of almost $32 million prizemoney are available here and full TAB Fixed Odds markets for all races available here.

    The $20 million TAB Everest contains 12 of Australia’s best horses headed by:

    • Overpass ($9 TAB) representing the Australian Turf Club and slot partners RAM Racing, trained by Bjorn Baker and ridden by Josh Parr, and owned by a syndicate of owners with Darby Racing.

    • A Golden Eagle and TJ Smith Stakes champion in I Wish I Win ($4.50 TAB), trained by Peter Moody and ridden by Luke Nolen of Black Caviar fame, representing slot holder Trackside NZ.

    • Warwick Farm trainer Joe Pride’s two runners – Think About It ($4.50 TAB slot holders Newgate and GPI Racing) ridden by Sam Clipperton and Private Eye ($6 TAB slot Max Whitby and Neil Werrett), who ran second in last year’s TAB Everest, to be ridden by Nash Rawiller. Both horses are managed by Proven Thoroughbreds.

    • Godolphin owning two runners – In Secret ($17 TAB) ridden by Zac Purton for the slot holder and Cylinder ($9 TAB) for jockey Zac Lloyd and the James Harron slot

    • Mazu ($17 TAB) – representing Triple Crown who owned dual Everest winner Redzel. Mazu is prepared by Redzel’s trainers Peter and Paul Snowden and will be ridden by Tommy Berry for The Star and Arrowfield slot

    • Hawaii Five Oh ($17 TAB) trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott with jockey James McDonald aboard for the Aquis slot. The stable also has Alcohol Free ($34 TAB) jockey Craig Williams for Yulong.

    • Sydney’s 13-time Sydney training champion Chris Waller with two runners – Golden Slipper champion Shinzo ($15 TAB Kerrin McEvoy) for Coolmore and Espiona in his own slot for Star Thoroughbreds and jockey Hugh Bowman.

    On a day full of racing highlights, several other innovative races on the card add to one of the biggest programs in Sydney racing history.

    The $2 million Group 3 Feel New Sydney Stakes with a capacity field of 18 runners including emergency runners for The Tab Everest.

    The $2 million The Kosciuszko featuring 14 NSW country-trained gallopers – the richest race in the world for country horses – and with a variety of slot owner agreements won via public ticket purchases.

    The $1 million Silver Eagle – which provides ballot exemption for the first three placegetters into the $10 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill Gardens on 4 November.

  • Country trainer takes on city slickers in Friday’s Port Macquarie Cup (Taree)

    It’s not going to be easy for the country trainers to knock over the city slickers in Friday’s $200,000 Port Macquarie Cup at Taree, but Tony Ball is enthusiastic about the chances of his horse Ljungberg running a big race at good odds ($21 on TAB).

    The cup is one of the last remaining chances for trainers to qualify their horses for the $3 million Big Dance over 1600m at Royal Randwick on November 7 and as such has attracted runners from leading Sydney stables as well as provincial and country stables.

    The Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes stable at Rosehill will start favourite Superium – they also accepted with Mount Popa but it was scratched on Thursday.

    Chris Waller is sending Special Swey to the race from his Rosehill stable.

    But the presence of those Sydney horses doesn’t bother Taree trainer Ball, who was delighted with eight-year-old gelding Ljungberg’s last-start win over 1609m at Taree on September 24 and is looking forward to stepping him up to the 2000m of the cup.

    “If he can win and get a start in the Big Dance that would be a dream come true,” Ball said.

    “I reckon he’ll get the distance of the cup. He just needs there to be a bit of pace so they run along well and he doesn’t start pulling.

    “If he can settle down over the longer distance he’ll get a good cart into the race.

    “He’s been working really well since he won at Taree and (apprentice) Mollie Fitzgerald is riding him again after she rode him there.

    “She’s got a good understanding with the horse. I think he’ll run a good race.”

    Seven-year-old gelding Superium is an interesting runner because his five career wins have been over distances ranging from 1100m to 1400m and he has never raced over further than 1600m.

    But obviously the stable believes that at this stage of his career he can extend to the 2000m and be successful and bookmakers are certainly wary because TAB has installed him as $3 favourite.

    The big plus for Superium, which will carry 55kg, is that the minimum weight for the cup is 54kg and he will carry just one kilogram more than each of the other nine runners.

    Superium has had three runs back from a spell and at his most recent start finished off well for third in a Group 3 race over 1500m at Sandown just last Sunday.

    Holstein, trained by Matt Dunn at Murwillumbah, is second favourite at $4.20 and Special Swey is next in the betting at $5.

    Special Swey is a lightly-raced four-year-old gelding that has not performed well at either of its two runs back from a spell, but which did win a Group 3 race over 2000m in Brisbane during the winter carnival.

    *Gates open at 11.30am and the first race is at 1.05pm. Admission is $10 and $5 concession. Full bar, bistro, TAB and bookmaker facilities.